Sabrina Petra Ramet

Asserts that various 'myths' as to the character of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia have been used by the West to justify avoidance of intervention. Explains the situation in order to correct these misunderstandings, and asserts that there is "very little chance of the war winding down without external international involvement". Concludes with the assertion that the employment of countervailing force against Serbian aggression, under the aegis of the UN, would be a lesser evil for European security than continued inaction, which would "set a dangerous precedent".